Government / Politics
A Monorail for the Senate?
No, it's not some stimulus package boondoggle- it turns out there truly was an underground monorail carrying public servants from the Senate Office Building to the Capitol Building. It opened in 1912 and lasted until 1961.
From Condo to Affordable Housing
Officials in New York are pushing a plan to reuse foreclosed or abandoned condo projects as affordable housing.
U.S. Shuns World's Fair-like Expositions
A 1999 law forbids the State Department from funding pavilions at international expositions. Fred Bernstein argues that the law is misguided, and should be changed before the next year's World's Fair in Shanghai.
Census Officials Concerned as Group Urges Migrant Boycott
As a bargaining chip to encourage federal immigration reform, a religious group is calling on undocumented migrant workers to boycott the upcoming U.S. Census. Officials say such a boycott could hurt many cities.
Green Roofs May Be Mandated in Toronto
Toronto City Council is planning to vote on a measure that would require green roofs on most buildings over 54,000 square feet, which would make it the first North American city to require green roofs. Developers are opposing the move.
Funds Promised to Ease Water Troubles
The state's water supply is in trouble, and its beat-up water system can't hold up much longer. On Wednesday the federal government has promised to step in and help California rebuild its water system.
Politics-Driven Planning Rules Toronto
During a round table discussion between four of Toronto's most prominent architects conclude that the city's planning, deemed dysfunctional by one, falls short.
LA's Density Bonuses Thrown Out
A judge has ruled against parts of SB 1818, a density bonus law that allows taller building limits in exchange for affordable housing units.
Considering the Cottages' Permanence
The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency is offering Katrina cottage dwellers the chance to buy up their units. But will these "shotgun shacks" ever be considered legitimate homes?
Zoning Update in Oakland?
An antiquated set of zoning laws has been at the heart of a debate between preservationists and developers in Oakland for years, though a compromise in the form of new zoning rules may be in the city's near future.
Clamoring for Highway Funds
States ready to go forward with highway projects are seeing equally eager construction companies put in bids as low as 50% below budget, and far ahead of schedule.
City Critique in Manhattan
This post features highlights from "Urbanisms Inc.," a forum on urban theory in New York City that took place on March 30.
HUD's Dollar Program Misses Mark, Benefits Contractors and Investors
An L.A. Times investigation reveals that HUD's 10-year-old Dollar Homes program provided little lasting benefit to the intended recipients and significant rewards to investors and contractors.
2,000 Transportation Projects
That's how many projects the Obama administration claims to have launched with the stimulus money, countering detractors who argued that the funding couldn't be spent fast enough to have an impact.
Executive, Not Earmarks, Should Guide Infrastructure
Governors Rendell and Schwarzenegger are imploring President Obama to take the lead on national infrastructure policy, rather than allowing earmarks to guide projects.
Health and Human Services Hit Hard in San Francisco
The recession is causing San Francisco to tighten its belt. Budget cuts are falling heavily on the city's health and human services.
Streetcars and Commuter Rail Get Official in Fort Worth
A streetcar system and commuter rail line are now officially part of a regional plan for the Fort Worth area.
Portland Region Tries to Decide What to Develop, What to Preserve
Officials from three counties in the Portland region are trying to work together to decide where to locate regional urban reserves of land for future development and rural reserves for preservation.
Bemoaning San Francisco's Corporate Street Closures
San Francisco's got a number of temporary street closures planned this year. Though the prospect of these pedestrian-friendly events is seen as a good sign for the city, this piece argues that their emphasis on corporate sponsorship taints the value.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
City of Moorpark
City of Tustin
Tyler Technologies
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
